Hard to believe it's that time of year again. Where did the summer go? Within the next couple of weeks, parents and students will be spending much of their time preparing for the new school year. One of the things that saddens me the most as an educator is the fact that so many students start off the new school year very determined to do their absolute best, but yet, after a few weeks, that motivation seems to dwindle down. So, how can students and parents start off the new school year on the right foot? Read below for some great tips!
1) Meet your teacher early-Many schools offer "Open Houses" where both parents and students can meet the teacher prior to school starting. Do not allow this opportunity to pass you by. Not only is this a great way to meet the teacher, but it's also a great way to start off on the right foot. No matter what, make this a priority within your schedule.
2) Purchase a planner-Students today are extremely active when it comes to school, sports, family life, community events, etc. It is vital that students learn how to use a planner so that they can keep up with everything that they are a part of. Take some time to purchase a planner for your child (allow your child to pick out the planner that they want) and as a parent, make sure to walk your child through it. Don't assume that your child knows how to use a planner-show them.
3) Supply List-Many times, when a parent attends an open house, the teacher will provide parents and students with a supply list. Be sure to get one and in turn, purchase what it is that the teacher has requested. Not only will your child know you care for them, but doing this will help your child get started on the right foot.
4) Set up a daily study time routine-Many students fail to complete homework due to the fact that no routine has ever been put into place by the parents. Make sure to do this. Spend some time talking with your child regarding what it is that you expect out of them and what it is that they expect out of themselves. Set up a routine that consists of when they will study and complete their homework each day, along with where they will study and complete their homework. Remember, the area that your child completes all of this in can really help them or hinder them (like, no completing homework on the bed-before you know it, your child will be napping instead of completing their school work!).
5) Get Organized-One of the biggest downfalls of students is that they do not know how to be organized. Make sure you assist them in this area. Help them set-up their notebooks for each of their classes. Walk them through the planner. Set up a daily morning routine. While this may seem trivial, in the long run, it will assist your child in doing their absolute best!
Make the 2008-2009 school year a success! Be on the lookout for more tips within the next few days!
Blessings!
Princeton Review Names Top Party School
By RON WORD, Associated Press Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida can raise a glass to another national title — best party school in the country.
The Gators, known for wild celebrations following national championships in football and basketball, wrested the party title away from West Virginia University and beat out the University of Mississippi and Penn State University, in the Princeton Review survey of 120,000 students released Monday.
The university has made the top 20 party school list for the past 15 years, but has never been No. 1.
Freshman Allison Belanger, a journalism and political science major, said she's only been on campus for a few weeks but already has had no problem finding a party. "All I have to do is leave the dorm," said Belanger, 17. "A lot of people study hard and party hard."
A university spokesman said the party school reputation comes from the school's athletic successes. The Gators won two national basketball championships in 2006 and 2007 and one national football title at the end of the 2006 season.
"The fact that we have three national championships in two years is probably a major contributing factor," spokesman Steve Orlando said. "We know our students like to have a good time."
He defended the school's academic climate, noting Florida's incoming students have a weighted grade-point average of 4.1 and an average SAT score of 1,300. Florida also came in first this year in the categories of students who study the least and students who pack the stadiums.
Joseph Milano, 21, a finance major from Palm Harbor, said a mostly young student body of 51,000 students and successful athletic programs make it easy to party. "With a lot of people on campus, fun things happen," he said.
Chris Hickox, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, said he is working hard to try to get into veterinary school, so he doesn't have a lot of time to celebrate. "We do party and have a good time, but I have to study or my Dad will kill me," he said.
The annual rankings also list the nation's "Stone-Cold Sober Schools." Topping that list was Utah's Brigham Young University for the 11th consecutive year.
The Princeton Review's annual guide, "The Best 368 Colleges," also ranks schools on scores from 60 to 99 based on admissions, financial aid, and a new category called the Green rating, which surveys colleges in part on their environmentally friendly practices.
The book has 62 categories in all, including: Best Professors, Middlebury College in Vermont, Tastiest Campus Food, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Best Dorms, Loyola College in Maryland. The students happiest with their financial aid attend Princeton University, which also tops the list for the most beautiful campus, the survey found.
The Princeton Review says the guide to the best schools is intended to help applicants who can't visit every school in person. "In our opinion, each school in this book is first-rate academically," said Robert Franek, the book's author.
The Princeton Review is a New York company known for its test preparation courses, educational services and books and is not affiliated with Princeton University.
___
On the Net:
The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida can raise a glass to another national title — best party school in the country.
The Gators, known for wild celebrations following national championships in football and basketball, wrested the party title away from West Virginia University and beat out the University of Mississippi and Penn State University, in the Princeton Review survey of 120,000 students released Monday.
The university has made the top 20 party school list for the past 15 years, but has never been No. 1.
Freshman Allison Belanger, a journalism and political science major, said she's only been on campus for a few weeks but already has had no problem finding a party. "All I have to do is leave the dorm," said Belanger, 17. "A lot of people study hard and party hard."
A university spokesman said the party school reputation comes from the school's athletic successes. The Gators won two national basketball championships in 2006 and 2007 and one national football title at the end of the 2006 season.
"The fact that we have three national championships in two years is probably a major contributing factor," spokesman Steve Orlando said. "We know our students like to have a good time."
He defended the school's academic climate, noting Florida's incoming students have a weighted grade-point average of 4.1 and an average SAT score of 1,300. Florida also came in first this year in the categories of students who study the least and students who pack the stadiums.
Joseph Milano, 21, a finance major from Palm Harbor, said a mostly young student body of 51,000 students and successful athletic programs make it easy to party. "With a lot of people on campus, fun things happen," he said.
Chris Hickox, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, said he is working hard to try to get into veterinary school, so he doesn't have a lot of time to celebrate. "We do party and have a good time, but I have to study or my Dad will kill me," he said.
The annual rankings also list the nation's "Stone-Cold Sober Schools." Topping that list was Utah's Brigham Young University for the 11th consecutive year.
The Princeton Review's annual guide, "The Best 368 Colleges," also ranks schools on scores from 60 to 99 based on admissions, financial aid, and a new category called the Green rating, which surveys colleges in part on their environmentally friendly practices.
The book has 62 categories in all, including: Best Professors, Middlebury College in Vermont, Tastiest Campus Food, Wheaton College in Illinois, and Best Dorms, Loyola College in Maryland. The students happiest with their financial aid attend Princeton University, which also tops the list for the most beautiful campus, the survey found.
The Princeton Review says the guide to the best schools is intended to help applicants who can't visit every school in person. "In our opinion, each school in this book is first-rate academically," said Robert Franek, the book's author.
The Princeton Review is a New York company known for its test preparation courses, educational services and books and is not affiliated with Princeton University.
___
On the Net:
The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com
Youth and the Church
I've been really thinking about something lately. Something that really disheartens me. Let me explain.For some time now I have come across many students (both high school and college) that seem to have a "sour" taste when it comes to the word "conservative". Many of the young people that I have come across that state that they are followers of Christ, have absolutely no desire to be known as a conservative. My question is why? It seems to me that the younger generation views those who consider themselves as conservatists, as humorless, angry, straitlaced, no fun kind of people. Again, my question is why? Is this what they have been exposed to?
As I was getting ready for work the other day, I happened to watch an interview with two young authors who are tackling this exact topic in their book, "Why You're Wrong about the Right". Here's the brief synopsis:
"And on your right, ladies and gentlemen, please observe The Conservative (Conservitus Americanus). This fascinating species in-habits vast territories across middle America, but rarely reveals itself in coastal urban areas. It is commonly believed to be uptight, humorless, and devoid of compassion, and is often characterized as racist, homophobic, and highly eco-unfriendly. Primary behaviors include unnecessary warmongering, tax cutting, and gun collecting. For decades, conservatives have proven to be hopelessly un-hip, and their mating habits dull. They are highly feared and often despised, for so few know and understand their true nature.
Get ready to meet the conservative next door or in the office down the hall, the person you never thought in a million years was one of "them." Lively, witty, and thought-provoking, 'Why You're Wrong About the Right' blows the lid off the stereotypes that have long been associated with the American Right, and reveals the face of today's conservatives: an intellectually and philosophically diverse new breed of young, outgoing, smart, friendly professionals who live and work among liberals everywhere!"
While I'm not endorsing this book, I must say, I do plan on purchasing it to read over and see what the thoughts are of the authors, because it seems to me that unfortunately many young people seem to believe that being a conservative is not only a bad thing, but that it describes someone who is no fun.
Another disheartening bit of research I came across is this:
* Some stats say more than 70% of children and youth leave the Church by the age of 18.
* Of those who stay, approximately 90% of those leave by the age of 25.
* If these numbers are true, we have lost 97% of all the children, youth, and young adults who have either grown up or attended a Church.
I don't know about you, but this saddens me. What is it that is keeping youth from not only trusting God 100% with their lives, but also living their lives for God? As one student told me this past year, he feels that the majority of Christians are hypocrites. Of course, this just hurts me because unfortunately, I do see a lot of this in our world today. It seems to me that we have become so known for what we are against rather than who we are for, which is Jesus Christ.
Anyway, these are just some thoughts that have really been swimming around in my mind as of lately. If you have any thoughts, opinions, etc., I would love to read them.
Why does the younger generation look down upon "conservatists"?
Why are youth leaving the church?
Looking forward to reading your responses!
Jen
PS-when you get a free moment, make sure to check out the website of one of my students who is striving to live a life that is pleasing to God! This just makes my heart sing!
Chaos
Do you ever feel as though your life is somewhat chaotic? This week has been one of those weeks for me. Let me explain.
Last Saturday, I received a "frantic" phone call from my mother informing me that my grandfather had been admitted to the hospital and that the doctors confirmed that we needed to be there. When I received this phone call, Luke was in the middle of "remodeling" our master bedroom and bathroom. I was in the middle of completing assignments for my doctorate and was really hoping to accomplish some required reading that I had not been able to get to. Needless to say, all of those plans went out the door.
I ended up driving down to South Florida with my brother and his wife while my husband stayed behind to clean up the remodeling mess and to also stay true to his commitment to play in a worship band in Tampa that was having their very first service (he ended up coming to Miami on Sunday). When I arrived in Miami, I saw my grandfather-he was on a breathing tube and was pretty much out of it. Needless to say, two hours later he passed away.
This week has been filled with many tears, thoughts, disorganization, stress, fatigue, etc. Basically, it has been a chaotic week. What do you do when life seems to get chaotic? Let me share with you some thoughts regarding overcoming the chaoticness that life seems to throw at us at times:
1) Breathe-when life gets chaotic, just breathe. Take some deep breathes and allow yourself a few minutes to refocus.
2) Pray-God answers prayers. When life seems out of control, take a few minutes to lift your anxieties, worries, and fears to the Lord. Hold on to His truth; "Be still and know that I am God".
3) Look for the positive-this can be a hard thing to do when life takes a turn, but let me assure you, it works. When you allow your mind to focus on the positive, your outlook changes.
Do you currently feel as though your life is a tad bit chaotic? Maybe you have a child who is getting ready to head off to college, one that is starting middle school or high school for the first time, maybe some things have taken place within your family, etc. If life seems chaotic, take the time to breathe, pray, and focus on the positive. It will make all the difference!
Until next time!
Jen
Last Saturday, I received a "frantic" phone call from my mother informing me that my grandfather had been admitted to the hospital and that the doctors confirmed that we needed to be there. When I received this phone call, Luke was in the middle of "remodeling" our master bedroom and bathroom. I was in the middle of completing assignments for my doctorate and was really hoping to accomplish some required reading that I had not been able to get to. Needless to say, all of those plans went out the door.
I ended up driving down to South Florida with my brother and his wife while my husband stayed behind to clean up the remodeling mess and to also stay true to his commitment to play in a worship band in Tampa that was having their very first service (he ended up coming to Miami on Sunday). When I arrived in Miami, I saw my grandfather-he was on a breathing tube and was pretty much out of it. Needless to say, two hours later he passed away.
This week has been filled with many tears, thoughts, disorganization, stress, fatigue, etc. Basically, it has been a chaotic week. What do you do when life seems to get chaotic? Let me share with you some thoughts regarding overcoming the chaoticness that life seems to throw at us at times:
1) Breathe-when life gets chaotic, just breathe. Take some deep breathes and allow yourself a few minutes to refocus.
2) Pray-God answers prayers. When life seems out of control, take a few minutes to lift your anxieties, worries, and fears to the Lord. Hold on to His truth; "Be still and know that I am God".
3) Look for the positive-this can be a hard thing to do when life takes a turn, but let me assure you, it works. When you allow your mind to focus on the positive, your outlook changes.
Do you currently feel as though your life is a tad bit chaotic? Maybe you have a child who is getting ready to head off to college, one that is starting middle school or high school for the first time, maybe some things have taken place within your family, etc. If life seems chaotic, take the time to breathe, pray, and focus on the positive. It will make all the difference!
Until next time!
Jen
Reading, writing, and critical thinking
As I think about the upcoming school year, I can't help but think about the many "moans and groans" teachers across the nation will hear from both students and parents as they, the teachers, implement activities that encourage students to think critically.
As an educator, one of the things I am passionate about is preparing students for what they will encounter upon graduation, both in college and in the "real world". One of the things that saddens me the most is seeing students who have no desire to excel. What bothers me even more is the fact that there are parents in our world who will allow their children to take the "easy way out" when it comes to courses, etc. This should not be so. As parents, it is vitally important that we encourage our children to continually do their best and in turn, to never give up when things get hard.
According to Mendelman (2007), "When your student starts high school, teachers have higher expectations for reading, writing, and the critical thinking skills. And teachers have a right to think students should improve. Recent studies indicate that the frontal lobe, the area of the brain responsible for the reasoning skills that enable critical thinking, undergoes development just prior to puberty. That means that ninth and tenth graders are moving from the black-and-white world of concrete thought into the shades of gray that define upper-level English studies. Instead of only identifying literary terms, such as similes and metaphors, students start to interpret what those techniques and devices mean. Essays replace book reports and arguments, also called thesis statements, take the place of plot summary."
Parents, as your children enter high school, be prepared for your student to encounter classes that require more reading, writing, and critical thinking. This is the norm. As students mature, it is vital that they are given opportunities to think critically so that once they graduate, they are ready for what the world will bring them.
Additionally, research is now stating that 1 in 3 high school graduates are unprepared for life after high school. According to Wood (2007), "close to one-third of all community college freshmen enroll in at least one remedial course upon arrival and 20 percent of freshman in four-year institutions do. They come to college without the basic skills required to succeed there. And high school students who go straight into the work force are just as unprepared." Wood (2007) also goes on to state that "more than 80 percent of employers said recent graduates were deficient in 'applied skills' like communication, work ethic, and critical thinking. And 72 percent said they were deficient in basic writing skills."
So, what does this mean for parents? Don't throw the towel in when things get hard during the 2008-2009 school year. Allow your child to be challenged. Allow your child to really think. Don't allow your child to convince you to take the easy way out. If you encourage your child to stick through it and in turn, work with your child's teacher, in the long run, you and your child will be happy that you did.
Until next time!
Jen
Mendelman, L. (2007). "From Hogwarts to Hawthorne". Retrieved July 1, 2008 from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Hogwarts_Critical_Readers/
Wood, D. (2007). "1 in 3 Unprepared for life after high school". Retrieved July 1, 2008 from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Ed_1_3_Unprepared_After/
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